Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Lupus
A disease of the immune system that affects many more women more than men (9:1) and at a relatively young age (15-50)
About
Lupus is a disease of the immune system where a wide variety of antibodies are produced, leading to inflammation in the joints and skin. Lupus may begin aggressively as an acute illness or might be undiagnosed for years. It can also appear as a transient disease. Earlier diagnosis and advancements in treatment mean that the majority of patients have a normal lifespan and lifestyle.
Need to know
Symptoms of lupus vary greatly depending on the type you have, but may include:
- virtually any type of skin rash
- hair loss
- aches and pains
- inflammation in your tendons
- inflammation of your veins
- sharp pain in the lower part of your chest when breathing in deeply (pleurisy)
- depression and/ or psychosis
- kidney disease
Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. To make a diagnosis, your consultant will normally expect at least four of the internationally recognised list of 11 accepted conditions to be present. These are:
1. malar rash (red rash over your cheeks)
2. discmoid rash (red patches of skin on your body)
3. photosensitivity
4. mouth or nose ulcers
5. serositis (inflammation of the tissue covering your internal organs)
6. arthritis
7. renal disorders
8.neurological disorder (including seizures and balance problems)
9. haematological disorder
10. immunologic disorder
11. a positive anti-nuclear antibody test (ANA)
Treatment options include:
- medications (including aspirin and other non-steroids, anti-malaria drugs, steroids and immunosuppressive drugs)
- oral contraceptives
- sun cream to block out UV-rays on photosensitive skin
- lifestyle and food choices as directed by your consultant
- kidney dialysis or transplant, if you have severe kidney disease
- plasma exchange (separating and removing plasma from your blood)
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.